The English Speaking World From 1485-1603, England was ruled by the Tudor dynasty. The Tudors needed Parliament, Henry VIII for his divorce and his seizure of church lands. Henry VIII needed money for his wars. Elizabeth consulted Parliament as well.

The Early Stuarts Elizabeth I dies after a 45 year reign without an heir in 1603. James I, the first Stuart king clashes with Parliament over money and foreign policy. James I also has problems with Catholics and Puritans. Charles I comes to the throne in 1625.

Charles I and Parliament Charles I needed money from Parliament. Charles I signed the Petition of Right, which prohibited the king from raising taxes. Charles I dissolves Parliament in 1629. Charles I angered the Puritans with forced Anglican services. The Star Chamber – The King’s court. The Scots rebel after the new Anglican prayer book is forced on them. Charles I summons Parliament in 1640, it will be called the Long Parliament.

The English Civil War The Puritans controlled the House of Commons. They didn’t like Charles I. The Puritans revoked the kings power to dissolve Parliament and executed his ministers. The Irish rebel in 1641. Charles attempts to arrest Parliament, but they escape. The Civil War begins in 1642.

The English Civil War 1642-1649 The kings supporters were called Cavaliers or royalists Puritans were called roundheads or those that supported Parliament. The leader of the Puritan army was Oliver Cromwell. He created the New Model Army. The king fled to Scotland and was handed over to the roundheads in 1647. He was executed in 1649. The power of the king was limited in England, by Parliament.

The Kingless Decade ( The Protectorate) Parliament abolishes the monarchy and establishes a Commonwealth. Cromwell and his army lead the new republic against numerous enemies. The Irish Catholics were defeated, the Scots were defeated. Charles II was forced to hide in a tree for a night. The Levellers wanted the poor to have a say in government. They were defeated. Cromwell becomes Lord Protector in 1653.

The Commonwealth and Puritanism During the period of the Commonwealth theatre and drama were banned, taverns were closed, bear baiting and gambling was stopped. On Sunday’s everything was closed, but church. Puritans considered schools important because everyone should read the bible. Women were important as wives and mothers. Women must look plain and dress plainly. Puritan thinking the basis of U.S. culture.

The Stuart Restoration 1660-1688 Charles II was invited back to England to rule in 1660 and signed the Petition of Right. Charles II practiced religious toleration. Charles II believed in absolute rule and became a Catholic on his death bed. Charles’ II brother, James II becomes king in 1685. He was openly Catholic and an absolute ruler. William and Mary become rulers in 1688.

The Glorious Revolution William III and Mary II landed in 1668, James II fled to France. William and Mary had to sign the Bill of Rights before becoming king and queen. The Bill of Rights said Parliament had power over the king. The House of Commons had the “ power of the purse.” England became a limited monarchy. The Bill of Rights also sated that no person could be held in jail unless charged. (habeas corpus)